“I’m surrounded by other students with similar and dissimilar academic interests, but almost all share the same desire to excel academically.”
— Brian Herman
It isn’t all bacteria, microbes, and viruses for biology major Brian Herman. Although he spends much of his time in the lab doing research, he also minors in German. And he still finds time to play French horn in the Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble. An Eagle Scout, Brian volunteers as an assistant scout leader with a local troop. He also likes to backpack, canoe, and go rock climbing with the Outing Club.
In the lab, though, Brian has been researching capsid assembly and maturation of the HK97 virus since his sophomore year. During an internship with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, he helped research a vaccine for the Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus. He’ll continue that research following graduation. Interested in virology and microbiology, he’ll be pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical research.
“One of the strongest advantages Allegheny biology students have is the ability to conduct independent research under the direction of an advisor of their choosing,” says Brian. “Completing the required senior comprehensive research project provides a huge benefit to any student who’s pursuing graduate or professional education or planning a career in biology.”
Brian also finds the atmosphere at Allegheny helpful. “The academic culture here has helped me succeed,” he says. “I’m surrounded by other students with similar and dissimilar academic interests, but almost all share the same desire to excel academically.”